plural revolutions
1
a
: the usually violent attempt by many people to end the rule of one government and start a new one
the American/French Revolution
The group started a revolution.
The king knew that there was a threat of revolution.
b
: a sudden, extreme, or complete change in the way people live, work, etc.
This new theory could cause a revolution in elementary education.
the computer revolution [=the changes created by the widespread use of computers]
The growth of the middle class forced a social revolution. [=a major change in society]
the sexual revolution [=a major change in people's attitudes about sex]
2
technical
a
: the action of moving around something in a path that is similar to a circle : rotation
the revolution of the Earth around the Sun
The period of revolution of the Earth around the Sun is equal to one year.
b
: a complete turn that is made by something around its center point or line
The Earth makes one revolution on its axis in about 24 hours.
This motor operates at a speed of 5,000 revolutions per minute.
Cite this Entry
“Revolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/revolution. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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